Navigate in Greece: Complete Guide
Introduction
Greece, with its thousands of islets and coasts lined with crystalline waters, is one of the most sought-after sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. From the Cyclades to the Ionian Islands, passing through the Peloponnese and the Aegean Sea, the Greek maritime landscapes are suitable for both sailing and motorized boating.
In this guide, Orca Retail invites you to discover Greece by sea through a complete itinerary that will take you from Corfu to Thessaloniki, passing through Athens, to discover the hidden gems of the continent and the countless island jewels that the country has to offer.
Foreword: What to Know Before Sailing in Greece
Required Permits
To sail in Greece, it is mandatory to have a coastal boat license (or a navigation license recognized by the Greek authorities) if you wish to operate a motorboat over 30 HP or a sailboat.
Weather and Sailing Conditions
Sailing in Greece means enjoying an ideal Mediterranean climate. However, sailing conditions vary by region: the Ionian Islands, to the west, are known for their calm waters and are accessible to all, while the more central Cyclades sometimes offer strong winds that will delight experienced sailors.
Port Infrastructure
The ports and marinas are well equipped, and numerous wild anchorages allow you to drop anchor in isolated coves with authentic charm.
While the large modern marinas are mainly found around Athens and in the most touristy islands, many small municipal ports retain an authentic atmosphere, with very affordable rates. For those who enjoy tranquility, wild anchorages abound: you can easily drop anchor in a sheltered cove, often near a fishing village or a seaside tavern.
Seasonality
The best season to take to the sea extends from May to October. Spring and autumn – May, June, September, and October – are particularly pleasant: the weather is mild, the sea already warm, and the sites less crowded. It's the perfect time to explore the islands in peace. In summer, the high season attracts more people, but the festive atmosphere and long sunny days offer an unforgettable experience, especially in more sheltered areas like the Ionian Islands.
Choosing the Itinerary
When it comes to sailing around this country, two main options are available to you: circumnavigate Greece from the south, along its coasts, or take a shortcut through the Corinth Canal.
This canal, which connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea, is a strategic passage, saving time and energy, but it is often subject to traffic conditions and passage fees.
Circumnavigating Greece from the south offers a longer and more varied experience, with splendid landscapes but sometimes more demanding in terms of weather and navigation.
Whichever option you choose, sailing in Greece is a unique adventure, combining cultural discoveries and nautical pleasures.
Corfu - Ionian Island (Corfu Town)
What to do in Corfu?
Nestled in the northwest of Greece, Corfu is a lush island with Venetian influences. Its capital, Kerkira (Corfu Town), enchants with its UNESCO-listed historic center, its shaded alleys, French-style arcades, and lively terraces.
The old Venetian fort and the Palace of Saint Michael bear witness to a cosmopolitan past. On the nature side, the beaches of Paleokastritsa and the interior mountains offer a spectacular setting.
Sailing in Corfu
The main port for yachting is the Gouvia Marina, very well equipped and located just a few kilometers from Corfu Town. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the Ionian Islands archipelago. Just a few nautical miles to the south, Paxos and Antipaxos captivate with their translucent waters, secluded coves accessible only by boat, and marine caves (like those of Tripitos). Further north, the Albanian coasts are also close but require customs clearance.
Sailing around Corfu is relatively simple, with little strong wind, which is suitable for beginner sailors or families. You can easily alternate between quiet anchorages and stops in picturesque ports. The waters are teeming with royal bream, bluefin tuna, mackerel, and groupers in the rockier areas.
Patras - Northern Peloponnese
What to do in Patras?
Patras, the third-largest city in Greece, is too often overlooked in favor of Athens. Yet, it is full of treasures: its immense carnival, the largest in the Balkans, attracts crowds every February with its colorful parades and wild parties.
The Church of Saint Andrew, one of the largest in Greece, attracts pilgrims from the Orthodox world, while the medieval castle overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Patras. The cable-stayed bridge Rion-Antirion, an architectural feat, elegantly connects the mainland to the Peloponnese. You can also stroll along the seafront, visit the ruins of the Roman Odeon, or taste the local wines, notably the famous Mavrodaphne.
Sailing in Patras
The marina of Patras allows you to sail along the northern coast of the Peloponnese in complete tranquility, thanks to moderate sailing conditions and generally low swell. From Patras, several stops are worth the detour. To the east, Nafpaktos charms with its quaint Venetian port, medieval walls, and the peaceful atmosphere typical of mainland Greek towns. Further west, Missolonghi offers a unique experience: known for its lagoons, salt pans, and biodiversity, the city is also steeped in history, particularly for its role during the Greek War of Independence.
The rocky areas off this stretch of coast are ideal for fishing for rockfish, red mullet, sea bream, and sometimes even bass or conger eels. Sailors will appreciate the tranquility of the area, conducive to wild anchoring, between raw nature and authentic coastal villages.
Gýthio (Laconia) - Reach Athens via the southern Peloponnese
What to do in Gýthio?
Former port of Sparta, Gýthio is a picturesque town in the southern Peloponnese, nestled against pine-covered hills. Its lively waterfront lined with neoclassical houses makes it a charming stopover. There are good taverns, a lively market, and nearby beaches like Mavrovouni, very popular for swimming.
Gýthio is also the gateway to the Mani Peninsula, a wild and authentic region, with its stone villages, medieval towers, and secret coves. It's an excellent base for exploring this little-known but fascinating region.
Sailing in Gýthio
The marina in Gýthio is protected and well-equipped, often used as a rest stop during a sail around the Peloponnese.
From Gýthio, you can sail along the southeast coast towards Monemvasia, nicknamed the "Greek Gibraltar," or leisurely head back towards Attica. Sea conditions can be a bit more challenging around Cape Tainaron (Matapan), known for its strong winds. In terms of fishing, the deep waters attract swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sometimes even amberjacks.
Galaxidi (Phocis, Central Greece) - Reach Athens via the Corinth Canal
What to do in Galaxidi?
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, Galaxidi is a small port town with timeless charm. Once an important naval stronghold, it retains many neoclassical mansions lining its waterfront, with wrought iron balconies and cobbled streets. The maritime museum traces the local history of navigation.
Only a 30-minute drive away is the famous site of Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, offering an unmissable cultural excursion. Galaxidi is also renowned for its seafood cuisine and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stopover.
Sailing in Galaxidi
The small marina in Galaxidi is well sheltered and easy to access, with calm docks where it is easy to moor. It is a perfect stopover before crossing the Corinth Canal or after passing through it. Sailing conditions in the Gulf of Corinth are generally mild, with a calm sea.
One can follow the northern coast of the gulf and make stops at Itea or Antikyra. The nearby waters are conducive to fishing for seasonal red mullets, sea breams, and small tunas.
Athens - Attica (Alimos Marina)
What to do in Athens?
Athens is a true open-air museum, with the Acropolis and its Parthenon, symbols of the grandeur of Antiquity, reigning in the heart of the city. Nearby, the National Archaeological Museum houses invaluable treasures of Greek history. The historic district of Plaka, with its picturesque streets and traditional taverns, evokes the charm of a living past.
But Athens is also a dynamic and modern capital: rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis, bohemian neighborhoods like Psiri and Exarchia, and a burgeoning gastronomic scene blending traditional Greek cuisine with contemporary influences. The city also vibrates to the rhythm of its street art, especially in the younger and more creative areas.
Sailing in Athens
From Athens, the Alimos Marina (Kalamaki) is the most popular starting base. It is located about fifteen minutes from the city center and offers all the necessary services for yachtsmen. This port provides direct access to the Saronic Gulf, a zone protected from strong winds, ideal for easy cruises. One can quickly reach nearby islands like Aegina (and its temple of Aphaia), Poros, or Hydra, without facing the harsher conditions of the Cyclades.
Sailing in the Saronic Gulf is smooth and predictable, ideal for outings of a few days. One can anchor in isolated coves with turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling. The species caught are varied: swordfish, mackerels, white seabreams, or porgies, especially around the rocky islets.
Mykonos - Cyclades
What to do in Mykonos?
Mykonos combines traditional charm with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The old town (Chora), with its winding alleys, whitewashed houses, and iconic windmills, is a true labyrinth of elegant shops, art galleries, and lively taverns. The district of Little Venice, where balconies overlook the sea directly, is ideal for watching the sunset with a drink.
The island is also renowned for its lively beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise, ideal for party-goers. A short distance away, the island of Delos, a major archaeological site, transports visitors into the history of Antiquity.
Sailing in Mykonos
The main port for yachtsmen is Tourlos, located just outside Chora. Although modern, it is sometimes exposed to northern winds, especially in summer when the Meltem The wind blows hard. Therefore, it is important to check the weather and plan for sheltered stops. From Mykonos, you can sail to Delos, a classified archaeological site, or explore neighboring islands like Tinos, wilder and more religious, or Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades.
The sailing conditions require experience during the high season due to strong winds, but the routes are varied and beautiful. The sea around Mykonos is known for its bonitos, dentex, barracudas, and squids that can be fished with lures or at night.
Paros - Cyclades
What to do in Paros?
Paros is an island that charms with its authenticity and tranquil atmosphere. Its capital, Parikia, offers a charming mix of cobbled streets, white houses, and ancient remains like the Temple of Apollo. Naoussa, in the north, is one of the most beautiful fishing ports in the Aegean Sea, with its lively streets, seaside restaurants, and small shops.
The interior of the island, dotted with olive groves and small monasteries, invites peaceful hikes. Paros is also renowned for its varied beaches, from the lively Punda Beach to the serenity of Kolymbithres, with its unique rock formations.
Sailing in Paros
The port of Parikia, in the southwest of the island, welcomes many sailboats and catamarans. It is an excellent base for exploring the center of the Cyclades. You can easily reach Antiparos, much appreciated for its underwater caves, or sail to Naxos and its endless beaches. The southern coast of Paros also offers superb anchorages, notably near Golden Beach or Aliki.
Sailing in Paros can be affected by the Meltem, especially between July and August, but sheltered routes are always possible. It is an ideal area to observe marine life and fish for wrasses, gilthead breams, white seabreams, and octopuses near rocky areas.
Volos (Thessaly, Mainland Greece)
What to do in Volos?
Volos is a dynamic city located at the foot of Mount Pelion, a lush and mountainous region steeped in mythology (it is said that the Centaurs lived here). The city center offers numerous museums, a lively seaside promenade, and "tsipouradika", typical taverns where you can enjoy seafood accompanied by tsipouro (local brandy). Volos is also an excellent starting point for excursions to mountain villages like Makrinitsa or Portaria.
Sailing in Volos
The marina of Volos is spacious, well-protected, and offers many services for boaters. Located in the Pagasetic Gulf, it allows for serene coastal navigation between small bays and isolated beaches.
From Volos, one can reach the Sporades in a few hours, with routes to Trikeri, Alonnisos, or the uninhabited island of Kyra Panagia. The waters of the gulf are teeming with fish such as sea bass, mackerel, or bonito.
Thessaloniki - Central Macedonia
What to do in Thessaloniki?
The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki (or Salonica) is a fascinating crossroads between East and West, renowned for its warm atmosphere, generous gastronomy, and multi-layered heritage.
Cultural capital of northern Greece, it is full of Byzantine monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Rotunda, the Church of Saint Demetrios, or the Arch of Galerius. The White Tower, an Ottoman relic by the water, is an iconic landmark offering a beautiful panoramic view of the bay.
The Ano Poli district, with its traditional houses and cobbled streets, immerses you in a village atmosphere suspended above the modern city. Thessaloniki is also famous for its lively markets (like Modiano or Kapani), its rich museums (archaeological museum, museum of Byzantine culture), and its contemporary art scene. In the evening, the waterfront docks light up and come alive with bars, concerts, and mezze restaurants.
Sailing in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, although oriented inland, has an active marina in Aretsou, in the Kalamaria district. It provides access to the Thermaikos Bay, perfect for day trips or sailing to the Chalkidiki Peninsula, known for its three "fingers" (Kassandra, Sithonia, Mount Athos). Sithonia, in particular, is full of wild coves accessible only by sea.
The winds are generally moderate, making navigation pleasant. Fishing is also prolific: sea bass, sea wolves, flatfish, and sometimes cuttlefish abound in these relatively shallow waters.
Rhodes - Dodecanese (Bonus)
What to do in Rhodes?
Rhodes, the largest island of the Dodecanese, is a jewel of the Aegean Sea, combining millennia-old history, preserved nature, and idyllic beaches. Its fortified old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved in Europe: it bears witness to the passage of the Knights of the Order of Saint John, with its ramparts, Gothic palaces, and cobbled streets.
An hour's drive south, the village of Lindos Charmed by its ancient acropolis perched above a turquoise cove, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island also offers beautiful hikes in the wooded valleys, notably the famous Valley of the Butterflies.
Sailing to Rhodes
Sailing to Rhodes is an adventure in itself. From Athens (Piraeus port), it takes about 3 to 5 days of sailing depending on the chosen itinerary and weather conditions, with recommended stops in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese islands like Kos or Symi.
The Mandraki port, located in the medieval old town, is well sheltered and central. It allows you to reach less frequented islands like Symi, with its colorful neoclassical houses, or Halki, a discreet gem with transparent waters. Further offshore, Kastellorizo offers exceptional sailing at the Turkish border, but requires more anticipation and experience.
Sailing around Rhodes is relatively stable but can be subject to gusts in the southern Aegean Sea. The waters are among the most fish-rich in the region: swordfish, moray eels, barracudas, seabream, and even tuna are frequently caught by sport fishermen.
Conclusion
Greece, with its cultural and natural richness, offers a multitude of maritime destinations perfect for sailing enthusiasts, whether they are novices or experienced.
Whether you prefer a peaceful cruise between Greek islands or a more sporty adventure in the heart of the Cyclades, the options are numerous and varied.
With its well-equipped ports, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating history, Greece is truly a paradise for boaters.
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